The origins of Fourplay trace back to a recording session where Bob James and Harvey Mason collaborated on James' album. Impressed by their musical chemistry, they decided to form a band and invited Nathan East to join them. Later, guitarist Lee Ritenour became a founding member, but when he departed in 1998, Chuck Loeb replaced him, solidifying the lineup that has remained to this day.
Fourplay released their self-titled debut album in 1991, which quickly gained popularity and achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. The album showcased their exceptional musicianship and featured smooth jazz hits like "Max-O-Man" and "After the Dance." This initial success set the stage for a string of highly successful albums, including "Between the Sheets," "Elixir," and "Esprit de Four," which further solidified their reputation as one of the leading contemporary jazz acts.
Over the years, Fourplay has collaborated with numerous renowned artists, including Chaka Khan, El DeBarge, Anita Baker, and Eric Clapton, among others. Their live performances are known for their captivating energy and virtuosity, captivating audiences with their intricate musical interplay and improvisation.
Fourplay's enduring popularity and success in the contemporary jazz genre can be attributed to their ability to evolve while staying true to their musical roots. Their albums often blend various genres, incorporating elements of jazz, R&B, and pop, appealing to a wide range of listeners.
Tragically, on July 31, 2017, Chuck Loeb passed away after a battle with cancer, leaving a void in the band. In 2019, guitarist and vocalist Larry Carlton joined Fourplay, bringing his own exceptional talent and adding a new chapter to the group's storied history.
With their remarkable musicianship, captivating performances, and a discography spanning over three decades, Fourplay continues to be a beloved and influential force in contemporary jazz, enchanting audiences around the world with their smooth, soulful sound.
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Fourplay Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That glorious song of old
From Angels playing near the earth
To touch their harps of gold
Peace on the earth could will two men
From Heaven's all-gracious King
The world in solemn stillness lay
And I hear them singing
Sing, I do hear them singing
The first Noel the Angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay, they keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep
The first verse of Fourplay's song "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" describes the scene of the angelic visitation on the night of Jesus' birth from heaven. The phrase "that glorious song of old" represents the story of the angels announcing to the shepherds Jesus' birth. The angels played their harps of gold, filling the darkness with their beautiful melodies. The second verse speaks of the "peace on Earth" that was willed to mankind by God through the birth of Jesus Christ. The world fell into a silent awe, compelled to stand still and listen to the song of the angels.
The bridge section speaks of the singer hearing the angels singing once more, wrapping him in their warmth and comforting him with their song. The final verse talks about how the angels visited the shepherds in the fields, telling them the news about Jesus' birth - the first Noel. The shepherds kept their sheep in the fields, a stark winter night gracing them as they listened to angels singing.
Line by Line Meaning
It came upon the midnight clear
At the stroke of midnight, a noteworthy event occurred
That glorious song of old
An awe-inspiring melody from the past
From Angels playing near the earth
Heavenly beings close to the land
To touch their harps of gold
Playing their heavenly instruments
Peace on the earth could will two men
Two people could make peace on earth
From Heaven's all-gracious King
From a kind and benevolent ruler in heaven
The world in solemn stillness lay
The earth was silent and somber
To hear the Angels sing
To listen to the hymns of the angels
And I hear them singing
The singing of the angels is audible
Sing, I do hear them singing
The angels' singing can be heard clearly
The first Noel the Angel did say
The angel proclaimed the first Noel
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
The message was conveyed to humble shepherds at their work
In fields where they lay, they keeping their sheep
Amidst sleeping sheep in the meadow
On a cold winter's night that was so deep
During a frigid and pitch-black night
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Edmund Hamilton Sears, Richard Storrs Willis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind